Marrying Your Cousin in Colorado: Is It Legal? What is cousin marriage is the reaction by most as strong. To some, it is old-fashioned or revolting, while others see it as normal in their culture. The question it causes for legality, genetics, and what society considers as norms brings important discussions. Let’s dig into the laws behind cousin marriages and the controversy surrounding this complicated issue, particularly in Colorado.
Historically Speaking
Cousin marriage is widespread across different cultures and through time. Some societies favored cousin marriages as a method of keeping family ties and consolidating wealth or strengthening alliances. Even icons such as Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein married first cousins. However, the social attitudes and scientific discovery over genetics have altered the landscape concerning cousin marriages in many parts of the world.
Cousin Marriage Legality in Colorado
Marrying your first cousin is entirely legal in Colorado. Children of siblings are permitted to marry each other. According to reports, this happens in Colorado, and several more U.S. states, as a relic from earlier history that placed increased focus on family ties.
Which States Permit Cousin Marriage?
Here’s a list of states where marrying your first cousin is permissible:
- Colorado
- Maine
- New York
- Rhode Island
- New Jersey
- Utah
- North Carolina
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Washington
- District of Columbia
Which States Ban Cousin Marriage?
The following states in the U.S. prohibit first cousins from marrying each other:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Genetic Implications
But a major objection to marriage between first cousins is the increased risk of genetic problems that their offspring may face. First cousins share much higher percentages of DNA, raising the likelihood of inheriting two copies of a recessive gene for a problematic condition. Although the absolute risks remain small, the likelihood of children born to first cousins having birth defects or genetic disorders does seem to be a bit higher.
On Going Debate
Cousin marriage is a highly debated matter that calls for robust arguments on ethical and moral grounds. Supporters of cousin marriage could argue that the question is a matter of personal taste and cultural imperative. They can hardly deny the fact that the likelihood of genetic disorders is still not very high and that genetic counseling can reduce it to a manageable level.
For instance, these people argue that sibling marriages can be harmful to their offspring. Other arguments might consider discouraging cousin marriages as a way of promoting genetic variation and reducing the prevalence of specific conditions within specific groups. The argument is quite interlinked with deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs as well as newer social customs.
Criticisms and Stigma
In some states, where such marriage is permitted, it can still pose significant social issues. There is the possibility of stigma or condemnation from other family members, friends, or the larger community. Furthermore, if such couples relocate to a state where cousin marriage is prohibited, their union will not be recognized by law and therefore will lead to legal issues.
Important Considerations
There are several things you should consider if you plan to marry your cousin in Colorado, or any state where it’s legal, such as:
- Understanding the Risks: Meet with a genetic counselor to clearly understand the risks of possible hereditary issues for your future children. He or she can assess your family history and may require genetic testing if you need it.
- Legal Affairs: If you are from Colorado but going somewhere else, then you might research about the legalized cousins’ marriage in your new state so that there is no legal conflict later on.
- Family Forces: Be prepared to face some questions or objections from family members. Having a transparent and honest conversation can avoid unnecessary controversies later on.
- Social Perception: Cousin marriage is legal in Colorado, but still suffering from social taboo. Consult people who have similar experience or seek communities to understand their lifestyles with respect to choices.
Conclusion
The state of Colorado allows marrying your cousin. But such a thing remains complex and many people have strong views about it. Many factors, which may involve genetic, social, and legal considerations related to the place in which one lives, have to be considered before making a decision like marrying your cousin. It is ultimately up to an individual to decide whether or not they should marry a cousin.
